Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for a unified, collaborative approach to protect the country’s territorial integrity and contribute to peace and stability in the Sahel region. Speaking at the First International Conference organized by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Idris emphasised the need for determination and cooperation to address the challenges posed by violence in the Sahel.
Nigeria shares a porous border with several Sahelian countries affected by conflict, making it vulnerable to instability. Idris noted, “The violence in the Sahel is not an isolated issue, and no single country can tackle it alone. By understanding the root causes and evaluating the impact on our territorial integrity, we can implement strategic measures to address this crisis.”
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen joint military operations, such as the Multinational Joint Task Force, and its commitment to regional cooperation. On the domestic front, security remains a priority in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with investments in equipment and intelligence gathering boosting the Armed Forces’ capacity. Idris also revealed that Nigeria has acquired 12 aircraft in the last 16 months to bolster the nation’s defence.
Commending NAN’s professionalism, Idris praised its role in delivering accurate and timely news, stating, “NAN has played an indispensable role in shaping public opinion and promoting national unity.”
The conference, themed “Interrogating the Root Cause of Violence in the Sahel and Its Impact on Nigeria’s Territorial Integrity,” brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to assess the ongoing crisis and explore solutions.